Hello Dick; Your question is one of the more frequent questions that pops up on both this and the Collins CCA reflector and it almost always generates considerable commentary. Suggestions range from putting the gear in the dishwasher for a cycle to taking it to the carwash... although I would NOT recommend the carwash approach. You might like to search the Drake archives for some of these very informative discussions.
Most of the old hands suggest using a mild biodegradable soap/detergent solution (such as Simple Green) and a bit of agitation of the contaminated surfaces with a soft brush. Follow that with an immediate GENTLE rinsing using fresh water, followed by repeated washings until the nicotine and tar residue is removed to your satisfaction. Dry the gear at low temperature (some suggest an oven at a very low temperature setting) or by placing the unit in a clean area and circulating air through and across the chassis for several hours using a common fan. Before any current is applied to the gear, it must be completely dry... COMPLETLY DRY means no moisture anywhere. There has been a lot written about the caustic nature of even the mildest soap/detergent and even Simple Green can tarnish aluminum if left in contact with the surface for any extended period of time. The rule of thumb here is to use repeated gentle washings followed by gentle rinsing along with the application of considerable patience. Then let the gear completely dry before continuing with other service activities, such as lubrication of all the switches and controls. As you mentioned, the wafer switches deserve your close attention. Smoke residue is one of the most difficult contaminants to remove but it can be successfully accomplished given some time and patience. If you get in a hurry, you are likely to damage something that previously worked. Good luck with your projects; Gene W5DDW Gene McCalmont 270 Oakridge Road Argyle Texas 76226 -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Richard Holder Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2004 12:25 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [drakelist] Cleaner for Equipment I have just purchased a Drake set of rigs, R-4C, T-4XC, AC-4, MS-4, and FS-4. <snip> What would the best cleaner be? <snip> ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Submissions: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe: [EMAIL PROTECTED] - subscribe drakelist in body Unsubscribe: [EMAIL PROTECTED] - unsubscribe drakelist in body Hopelessly Lost: [EMAIL PROTECTED] - help in body of message Brought to you courtesy of TLCHost.net http://www.tlchost.net/ ----------------------------------------------------------------------
